Prognostic value of cytosolic tyrosine kinase activity in 249 node-positive breast cancer patients

Tyrosine-specific protein kinase (TPK) has been associated with the cytoplasmic domain of growth factor receptors as well as oncoproteins. Enzymatic activation appears to be a major initial event in these signal transduction pathways. In this study, TPK was determined in the cytosols of 249 node-positive primary breast tumours. Enzyme activity was measured using [32P]ATP and poly(glutamic acid-tyrosine) (4:1) as an artificial substrate. Levels of TPK varied from 0 to 35.9 pmol ATP min-1 mg-1 protein (median 11.4). No correlation was found with tumour size or number of positive lymph nodes. In contrast, levels of TPK were negatively associated with age (P = 0.01) and menopausal status (P < 0.05) of the patients. Higher concentrations of TPK were in addition found in tumours negative for oestradiol (P < 0.01) and progesterone (P < 0.05) receptors. Finally, a positive correlation was found between TPK and urokinase plasminogen activator (UPA) (P < 0.05). Patients whose tumours contained high levels of TPK had reduced disease-free (P = 0.01) and overall survival (P < 0.05). In Cox multivariate analysis, including patient's age, menopausal status, tumour size, number of positive lymph nodes, steroid receptors and UPA, TPK retained its independent prognostic importance.

Og4C3 circulating antigen: a marker of infection and adult worm burden in Wuchereria bancrofti filariasis

Og4C3 circulating filarial antigen was detected in the sera of 94.5% (259/274) of microfilaremic patients, 32% (239/751) of persons with presumption of filariasis, and 23% (11/48) of chronic filariasis patients. The antigen level was correlated with the microfilariae (Mf) density and patient age (P < .01). It remained stable in patients treated with microfilaricidal drugs. Og4C3 antigen, undetectable in Mf culture media, was demonstrated to be a rare somatic Mf antigen. It appears to be an excreted or secreted antigen from adult filaria. It could be used as a marker of infection and an indicator of adult worm burden.

Advantages of ivermectin at a single dose of 400 micrograms/kg compared with 100 micrograms/kg for community treatment of lymphatic filariasis in Polynesia

In April and October in 1991-1993, 5 supervised single doses of ivermectin were given to inhabitants aged > or = 3 years in a Polynesian district: the first 3 treatments were with 100 micrograms/kg and the 2 latter with 400 micrograms/kg. At each treatment, about 97% of the eligible population (899) were treated and blood samples were collected just before treatment from 96% of the 613 inhabitants aged > or = 15 years. Following the 5 successive treatments, adverse reactions were observed in, respectively, 23.8, 13, 6.2, 13.6 and 7.9% of the microfilariae (mf) carriers, and in less than 1% of amicrofilaraemic subjects. Neither the frequency nor the intensity of adverse reactions was significantly different between single doses of 100 micrograms/kg and 400 micrograms/kg. Although the geometric mean microfilaraemia (GMM) was reduced, the mf carrier prevalence remained unchanged before and after 3 mass treatments with 100 micrograms/kg (21.4 and 20.7% respectively), and the mf recurrence rate 6 months after each dose of 100 micrograms/kg was roughly stable (respectively, 34.3%, 21.6% and 31.2% of the initial GMM). In contrast, after one dose round of 400 micrograms/kg, the mf carrier prevalence decreased significantly to 14.9% (P < 10(-6)), and the mf recurrence rate dropped to 9.9% (P < 10(-3)) of the initial GMM. These results confirm the safety and the effectiveness of 400 micrograms/kg of ivermectin for lymphatic filariasis control.

Prognostic significance of autoantibodies to laminin in the sera of breast cancer patients: a preliminary report

Interactions between cancer cells and laminin play an important role in the metastatic cascade. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the presence and the prognostic significance of autoantibodies to laminin in sera of patients with breast cancer. Our study population consisted of 71 high-risk primary breast cancer patients (median follow-up, 6 years). IgG, IgA and IgM were analysed at the time of surgery and before any treatment was given. Concentrations were measured by enzyme immunoassay with a highly purified antigen. IgG, IgA and IgM anti-laminin median values were, respectively 117%, 130% and 97% of normal absorbance. Higher concentrations of IgM to laminin were found in pre-menopausal patients as compared with post-menopausal patients (p < 0.001). Patients with high concentrations of IgG to laminin had lower disease-free (p = 0.003) and overall survival rates (p = 0.003). In breast cancer, assay of IgG to laminin could thus provide a cheap and easy prognostic index available for all patients.

A 5-year immunization field trial against hepatitis B using a Chinese hamster ovary cell recombinant vaccine in French Polynesian newborns: results at 3 years

A hepatitis immunization field trial, using a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell recombinant vaccine, was implemented for newborns in the Austral archipelago of French Polynesia in 1988. Three different schedules were used: (1) four vaccine doses at months (M) M0, M1, M2 and M12; (2) three vaccine doses at M0, M1 and M6; and (3) three vaccine doses at M0, M1 and M12. The programme evaluation was performed yearly at fixed dates, i.e. October-November 1989, 1990 and 1991. After the third year, of the 582 children who received one or more doses of vaccine, four were HBsAg carriers. After one or two doses, 88 and 98%, respectively, had seroconverted for at least one of the two measured antibodies, anti-HBs or anti pre-S2. After three doses, seroconversion rates and geometric mean anti-HBs titres were, respectively, 94% and 187 mIU ml-1 using schedule M0, M1, M2; 95% and 507 mIU ml-1 using schedule M0, M1, M6 and 96% and 476 mIU ml-1 using schedule M0, M1, M12. After four doses (M0, M1, M2, M12) the corresponding results were 99% and 1518 mIU ml-1. One of the 16 vaccinated neonates born to HBsAg/HBeAg-positive mothers was an HBsAg carrier, implying a protective rate for the prevention of perinatal transmission of 93%. Overall, these results indicate that, in field conditions, indiscriminate vaccination of newborns with a CHO-recombinant vaccine without hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HiBG) resulted in high immunogenicity. Final evaluation in 1993-1994 will permit confirmation of the effectiveness of the two three-dose vaccine schedules.

Inhibition of the activity of 'basic' 5 alpha-reductase (type 1) detected in DU 145 cells and expressed in insect cells

The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (1) to identify the 5 alpha-reductase (5 alpha-R) isozyme(s) present in DU 145 cells, a human cell-line of low androgen sensitivity derived from a cerebral metastasis of an epithelial prostate cancer; and (2) to compare the inhibitory potencies of three compounds on the 'basic' 5 alpha-R isozyme expressed in a baculovirus-directed insect cell system. Conversion of testosterone (T) into 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in DU 145 cells was measured by HPLC coupled to a Flo-one HP radioactivity detector. DU 145 cells exhibited 5 alpha-R activity (21 pmol DHT/min/mg protein) at pH 7.4 which disappeared at pH 5.5 suggesting that, of the two genomically distinct human isozymes identified so far, type 1 5 alpha-R is expressed in DU 145 cells. This was confirmed by at least two observations: first, 5 alpha-R activity in DU 145 cells was inhibited with much higher potency by 4-MA than by finasteride which is known to be a very poor competitor of the 'basic' enzyme (IC50s = 2.8 +/- 0.2 and 264 +/- 55 nM, respectively). Second, only the type 1 5 alpha-R cDNA and not type 2 5 alpha-R cDNA hybridized with DU 145 RNA. A high potency differential was also recorded for the inhibition of 'basic' type 1 5 alpha-R expressed in a baculovirus-directed-insect cell system by these two compounds, 4-MA being considerably more active than finasteride (Ki = 8.4 +/- 2.3 and 330 +/- 9 nM, respectively). This inhibition was competitive. On the other hand, inhibition by an n-hexane lipid/sterol extract of Serenoa repens (LSESr) was non-competitive and, when expressed in terms of recommended therapeutic doses, was 3-fold greater for LSESr than for finasteride. These studies suggest that LSESr might exert a regulatory inhibitory activity due to its specific lipid/sterol composition.

Agonist-antagonist activity of anti-estrogens in the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7: an hypothesis for the interaction with a site distinct from the estrogen binding site

Non-steroidal anti-estrogens exhibit an extremely complex pharmacology because of their estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects in different species. Recently, we have reported evidence for an immunochemical difference in the estrogen receptor (ER) when it is occupied with anti-estrogens as compared to estrogens (Martin et al., 1988). In this study, we have compared immunoreactivity of MCF-7 cell estrogen receptor when bound to anti-estrogen versus estrogen. We show that the occupation of ER with antiproliferative concentrations of various anti-estrogens leads to the appearance of additional antigenic determinants for the H222 monoclonal anti-estrogen receptor antibody. When performing ER immunoassay after sedimentation of estrogen receptors on sucrose gradients, we show that exposure of new epitopes induced by anti-estrogens can occur on a 4 s molecular form related to the 66 kDa monomeric estrogen receptor. Also, when ER are previously occupied by estradiol, the addition of low anti-estrogen concentrations, which are unable to displace estradiol from the estrogen receptor, leads to a significant increase of H222 epitopes. Our results led us to propose a molecular model for anti-estrogen-receptor interaction in which their dual agonist/antagonist activity may be due to the occupation of distinct binding sites on the estrogen receptor.

Biochemical and immunohistochemical multiparametric analysis of steroid receptors and growth factor receptors in human normal endometrium in spontaneous cycles and after the induction of ovulation

This study was carried out with three aims: to assess the variations of receptors for beta-oestradiol and progesterone, and for epidermal growth factor (EGF), alpha-fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and beta-FGF, during a spontaneous cycle in normo-ovulatory patients, 2 days before, and 2 and 7 days after the day of ovulation; to compare the control group of patients with those given ovulation induction using a multiparametric approach; and to study the role of luteal supplementation with progesterone in two groups of patients treated by a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist plus human menopausal gonadotrophin. The results were assessed by biochemical analyses and by immunohistochemistry. In spontaneous cycles, a decrease in steroid receptors occurred during the luteal phase. There was an increase in EGF and EGF receptors which was induced by oestradiol secretion, and an increase during the luteal phase of alpha-FGF and beta-FGF, which are considered to be angiogenic factors. Comparisons between spontaneous and induced cycles showed a few variations in the endometrium but no differences were related to the type of ovulation induction.

Testing of a chemosensitivity screening method on sensitive and resistant breast tumoral epithelial cell lines

Until now chemosensitivity of tumour cells has been evaluated solely on the basis of cell growth or survival testing. In order to rapidly evaluate sensitivity to anthracyclines, which are well known to disturb DNA organization, we propose a model based on detection of conformational changes in DNA structure. Chromatin texture changes were assessed using a cell image processor which computes six densitometric and nine texture parameters on each Feulgen-stained nucleus and provides multiparametric analyses of data. The technique was tested on two cell lines of human breast cancer, differing only with regard to their sensitivity to anthracycline. The percentage of nuclei affected by the drug and distribution of the cell cycle phases were determined on the same cells. This method can be used to predict the efficacy of anthracyclines used alone or in conjunction with other drugs. It may also be applicable for other therapeutic agents causing conformational changes in DNA structure.

Ivermectin plus diethylcarbamazine: an additive effect on early microfilarial clearance

The effects of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine (DEC), and the combination of both drugs on levels of microfilaremia (mf) were studied in 30 male Polynesian Wuchereria bancrofti carriers. Microfilarial densities were measured 30 min (H1/2), 1 hr (H1), and 2, 4, 8, 24, and 96 hr (H2, H4, H8, H24, and H96) after supervised single doses of ivermectin plus DEC (400 micrograms/kg plus 1 mg/kg, respectively, 400 micrograms/kg plus 3 mg/kg, respectively, and 400 micrograms/kg plus 6 mg/kg, respectively), DEC (6 mg/kg) alone, and ivermectin (400 micrograms/kg and 100 micrograms/kg, respectively) alone given to six groups of five patients each. The results showed that 1) DEC alone or combined with ivermectin induced a rapid clearance of mf after drug intake; at H1/2, the number of circulating microfilariae was reduced to 16%, 8%, 28%, and 31%, respectively, of pretreatment values in the groups receiving ivermectin plus DEC (400 micrograms/kg plus 1 mg/kg, 400 micrograms/kg plus 3 mg/kg, and 400 micrograms/kg plus 6 mg/kg) and DEC (6 mg/kg) alone; 2) ivermectin alone induced a rapid increase of mf densities during the first 2 hr, followed by a sharp decrease from H4 to H96; and 3) between H8 and H96, mf clearance was almost complete with the combination of ivermectin and DEC. A comparison among groups did not show any synergistic interaction between ivermectin and DEC on the clearance of microfilaria, with the effect of each drug being additive to each another.

Prognostic value of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitors PAI-1 and PAI-2 in breast carcinomas

It is now clearly established that proteolytic enzymes, including plasminogen activator (uPA), play an important role in breaking down the extracellular matrix, which is considered to be a step in metastasis formation. Plasminogen activators are controlled at various levels. Two inhibitors, PAI-1 and PAI-2, have been identified, the latter being more specific for uPA. In attempts to determine their prognostic value, it is essential to investigate the relative importance of these parameters and their interactions. We used an immunoenzymatic method to assay uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 antigens in cytosols prepared from 314 primary breast tumours. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 years and all relevant clinical and laboratory findings were recorded. Univariate analysis confirmed the poor outcome of patients whose tumours contained large amounts of uPA and PAI-1. In addition, low levels of PAI-2 correlated with shorter disease-free survival in the overall population (P = 0.02), post-menopausal women (P = 0.02) and women without lymph node involvement (P = 0.02). Multivariate analysis in the 'main effects' Cox model identified node involvement, macroscopic tumour size and PAI-2 as significant variables. The 'interactive' model, taking into account interactions between uPA and its two inhibitors, identified a first subgroup with a very poor prognosis associating either high levels of PAI-1 with low levels of PAI-2 in the overall population and the women with no node involvement or high levels of uPA with low levels of PAI-2 in the group of menopausal women. We conclude that PAI-1 provides the same prognostic information as uPA, and does not appear to play a role as an inhibitor. In contrast, PAI-2 increases the prognostic value of uPA, particularly in post-menopausal women, and PAI-1 in patients with no node involvement.

[Intra-tissue biological markers in cancers of the breast: current assessment]

Among the great many prognostic factors currently available in breast cancer, three classes of tissue biological parameters appear to be the most reliable in the establishment of a clinical decision flowchart, when they will have been technically and clinically validated: parameters of hormone dependence, tumour aggressiveness and invasion and parameters of proliferation. This article discusses the difficulties encountered in the evaluation of some of these parameters (hormone receptors by various methodological approaches, proteases, enzymes involved in cell proliferation), with emphasis on standardisation of techniques, development of quality controls, clinical validation and objective information of the medical and scientific communities.

Prognostic value of a solubilized fraction of EGF receptors in primary breast cancer using an immunoenzymatic assay--a retrospective study

In a retrospective study of 319 primary breast cancers, we show that an immunoenzymatic assay of a solubilized fraction of EGF receptors indicates a prognostic value for EGFR which is in contradiction with some (but not all) other studies. It appears that different methodological approaches of measuring EGFR are not equivalent in terms of prognostic power. We emphasize the need for rigorous multicentric standardization and quality control of assays, followed by multistep validation of parameters oriented towards clinical use.

Technical evaluation of thymidine kinase assay in cytosols from breast cancers. EORTC Receptor Study Group Report

Pilot retrospective studies have pointed to the prognostic value of thymidine kinase (TK) in breast cancer. We studied the Prolifigen TK-REA assay (Sangtec Medical, Sweden), usually applied to serum, for TK analysis in breast cancer cytosols. Reproducibility was good, provided that small volume pipetting was performed carefully. The TK assay was not influenced by the short-term storage of cytosols in liquid nitrogen or at -80 degrees C. However, some steps appeared critical for good laboratory practice. The TK level was affected by thawing the cytosols more than twice. Tumour storage in liquid nitrogen should be preferred over storage at -80 degrees C. The components of the homogenisation buffer, especially sodium molybdate and KCl can have a marked influence on results. Finally, linearity problems arose with some cytosols. Thus, although assay of TK in cytosols is apparently simple, care must be taken in practice. The TK-REA kit should be standardised before widespread use in breast cancer.

Determination of oestrogen receptors by enzyme immunoassay. Technical differences between laboratories and their consequences

When multicentre breast cancer trials are performed, receptor analyses must be comparable both over time and in the participating laboratories. However, we show for the first time a high variability for the distribution of oestradiol receptor (ER) values measured by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) from 1987 to 1991. This variability could be explained by calibration changes in the immunoassay kits. We have also analysed the influence on ER-EIA levels of technical differences between laboratories apart from the assay itself. Many steps emerged as being critical, i.e. homogenisation buffer, homogenisation procedure and cytosol dilution. Finally, we show that addition of 4-monohydroxytamoxifen increases the apparent ER content measured by EIA in 92% of cytosols. Thus, many factors must be controlled to ensure high precision with ER-EIA assays. We have to be particularly cautious with the conformational changes that could occur during cytosol preparation and that could also pre-exist in the tumour samples. Quality controls of cytosol preparation are essential.

Ivermectin 400 micrograms/kg: long-term suppression of microfilariae in Bancroftian filariasis

Forty-three Wuchereria bancrofti carriers were given 4 successive semi-annual single doses of ivermectin 100 micrograms/kg (IVER 100). The geometric mean microfilaremia (mf) recurrence percentages, compared to the pre-initial treatment mf level, were 35%, 21%, 17% and 17% at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months respectively. However, the recurrence of mf 6 months after the fourth treatment remained high in 15 individuals, considered as 'bad responders'. At month 24, the subjects were randomly allocated into 2 groups: the first group was treated with a fifth dose of IVER 100 and the second with a first, single dose of 400 micrograms/kg of ivermectin (IVER 400). At month 30, the mf recurrence percentage was significantly higher in patients treated with IVER 100 than in those receiving IVER 400 (61% vs. 8%, P < 0.05). In the IVER 100 group, 6 of the 8 'bad responders' remained 'bad responders', whereas only 2 of 7 did so in the IVER 400 group. Only 3 additional patients in the IVER 100 group became consistently amicrofilaraemic, whereas 9 did so in the IVER 400 group. Two 'good responders' in the IVER 100 group became 'bad responders'. A single dose of 400 micrograms/kg of ivermectin has been demonstrated to be efficient for the treatment of carriers refractory to repeated doses of 100 micrograms/kg and to result in better long-term mf suppression. These results suggest a possible effect of 400 micrograms/kg of ivermectin on macrofilaria.

Comparison of ivermectin and benzyl benzoate for treatment of scabies

A randomized investigator-blinded trial of oral ivermectin 100 micrograms/kg single dose vs. benzyl benzoate 10% application in the treatment of scabies, was conducted in 1992 in French Polynesia. In total, 44 patients aged 5-56 years were included in the study: 23 in the group ivermectin (IVER) and 21 in the group benzyl benzoate (BB). At day 30 after treatment, the cumulative recovery rates were 70% (16/23) in the group IVER, and 48% (10/21) in the group BB, 95% confidence intervals 51-87% and 29-70% respectively. The rates of recovery were greater in the group IVER at day 7, 14 and 30, but the difference was not statistically significant. Our results show that oral ivermectin is a valuable alternative to benzyl benzoate local treatment.

Long-term efficacy of single-dose treatment with 400 micrograms.kg-1 of ivermectin in bancroftian filariasis: results at one year

In April 1992, a safety trial was performed with a single dose of ivermectin 400 micrograms.kg-1 (IVER 400). In 37 bancroftian filariasis carriers, 6 and 12 months after IVER 400 treatment, the microfilaremia recurrences were 3.2% and 13.5%, respectively. As compared to results from other studies with diethylcarbamazine and IVER at different dosages and periodicities, the dosage of IVER 400 seems the most effective; but a yearly intake might not be sufficient.

Molecular epidemiology of dengue 3 viruses and genetic relatedness among dengue 3 strains isolated from patients with mild or severe form of dengue fever in French Polynesia

The nucleotide sequences of a short fragment of the envelope protein gene encoding amino acids 25 to 89 of 27 dengue 3 viruses were determined by direct sequencing of PCR-amplified products, and the viruses were compared regarding their time of isolation and geographic distribution. Four distinct genotypic groups were discerned at 6% divergence between nucleotide sequences. The first group contained isolates from the South Pacific (1988 to 1992), Singapore (1973) and Indonesia (1973 to 1991). The second group comprised viruses from Asia (1956 to 1989) including the reference strain H-87. The third was composed of one isolate from Thailand (1971), and the fourth included the early strains from French Polynesia (1964 to 1969) and from Puerto Rico (1963). Furthermore, the difference between early and recent strains from the South Pacific was as high as 12.3%. This observation suggests that the recent epidemics in the South Pacific were probably the consequence of the spread of a new variant that emerged from New Caledonia. However, relatedness between nucleotide sequence and disease severity, or between strains from epidemics with mild disease (New Caledonia) and strains from epidemics with severe disease (French Polynesia) could not be demonstrated.

MHC class II antigen expression and T-cell infiltration in the demyelinating CNS and PNS of the twitcher mouse

The expression of the major histocompatibility complex class II antigens (Ia) was investigated in the central and peripheral nervous systems of the twitcher mouse, an authentic murine model of globoid cell leukodystrophy (Krabbe disease) in humans. In this mutant, demyelination is noted as early as postnatal day 10 in the peripheral nerve and day 20 in the spinal cord. Emergence of Ia antigen expressing cells (Ia+ cells) was largely coincident with the initiation of demyelination, suggesting the importance of local factors for the induction of Ia antigens. Ia+ cells gradually increased in number with the progression of demyelination, but reached a plateau between postnatal days 30 and 40, then rapidly decreased despite continuous demyelination in both central and peripheral nervous systems. The only exception was in the spinal cord where Ia+ cells were numerous even at postnatal day 50. The cells expressing L3T4 antigen (L3T4+ cells), which is a mouse CD4 antigen, and the interleukin-2 receptor antigen expressing cells (IL-2R+ cells), also appeared in the regions where Ia+ cells were observed. L3T4+ cells were still abundant after P45, when Ia+ and IL-2R+ cells decreased. Combined autoradiographic and immunocytochemical studies demonstrated mitotic activity in a few Ia+ cells. However, low labeling indices of Ia+ cells in both cerebrum and sciatic nerve suggest that the increase of Ia+ cells was largely due to either induction of Ia antigens on local cells or new recruitment of Ia+ cells from the circulation. Expression of Ia antigens associated with an emergence of L3T4+ or IL-2R+ cells in the demyelinating lesions may indicate involvement of immunological responses in the pathogenesis of this metabolic demyelinating disorder. Alternatively, these apparent immunological phenomena may be tentative and non-specific local reactions to degenerating tissue components such as myelin. The mechanism(s) regulating the expression of Ia antigens in this genetic metabolic demyelinating disease is yet to be determined.

Study of factors that influence the clinical response to ciguatera fish poisoning

A 1-year observational study of all standardized medical records of ciguatera fish poisoning notified cases was conducted in French Polynesia. The objective was to determine the factors that influence the clinical response to ciguatera fish poisoning. During the year 1991, there were 551 cases notified on standardized code sheets by physicians (notification rate 276 per 100,000). The mean age was 36.6 years (S.D. 15.6). The largest age group was that between 30 and 49 years old (notification rate 562 per 100,000). The gender ratio (M/F) was 1.6. Of the 551 cases, 257 (47%) presented with a history of a previous attack. A clinical score was calculated to assess the outcome for each case. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for a severe disease (33% with a score greater than 5) was significantly increased when the fish ingested was carnivorous (OR = 1.62, P = 0.02) and when a history of a previous attack was reported (OR = 1.71, P = 0.006). The increased severity of multiple episodes and the increase of the notification rate with age suggest a possible accumulation of toxin in the human organism.

Baculovirus-directed expression of human prostatic steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 in an active form

In the human prostate, the enzyme steroid 5 alpha-reductase (h5 alpha R) catalyses the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen, dihydrotestosterone. Two distinct cDNAs coding for h 5 alpha R in the human prostate have been previously characterized. Enzyme h5 alpha R1 shows a maximum activity at basic pH whereas h5 alpha R2 has an acidic pH optimum activity. We report here the expression of the human steroid h5 alpha R1 in a eukaryotic expression system: the baculovirus-directed-insect cell expression system. The full length cDNA was inserted into the Autographa californica nuclear polyhedrosis virus genome and expressed in Spodoptera frugiperda, Sf9, insect cells. Sf9 cells were infected with the recombinant baculovirus and homogenates used in h5 alpha R activity assays by high pressure liquid chromatography showed that a catalytically active enzyme was produced. The recombinant enzyme showed an apparent Km for testosterone of 2.07 microM and a V(max) of 10.1 nmol of dihydrotestosterone/ min/mg of protein. Recombinant h 5 alpha R1 activity was inhibited by specific h 5 alpha R inhibitors such as 4-MA (Ki = 2.6 nM). Subcellular distribution in Sf9 cells demonstrated that the enzyme was associated with the nuclear membrane.

Periodicity of Wuchereria bancrofti var. pacifica filariasis in French Polynesia

In 1992, a study on microfilaremia periodicity was carried out on 12 Wuchereria bancrofti carriers in the Marquesas islands. Blood samples were collected simultaneously every 4 hours during a 48 hour period by finger-prick and venipuncture for determination of microfilaremia by both blood film and membrane filtration technique methods, and for determination of antigenemia. The membrane filtration results showed no significant nycthemeral variations between the microfilaria densities at hours 16:00, 20:00, 24:00, 04:00, 08:00 and 12:00. Conversely, the blood film method showed a significant difference between the microfilaria densities: the microfilaremia was higher during the day (12:00-20:00 hours) than during the night (24:00-08:00 hours). As for antigenemia, using Og 4 C3 monoclonal antibody, there was no significant fluctuation during 48 hours. These results confirm that W. bancrofti var. pacifica is subperiodic and diurnal in French Polynesia. In particular, they substantiate the validity of examining venous blood by the membrane filtration technique as the judgment criterion of choice in therapeutic trials and of examining capillary blood during peak hours by the blood film method for evaluating the endemic level in a population.

Safety trial of single-dose treatments with a combination of ivermectin and diethylcarbamazine in bancroftian filariasis

A supervised safety trial of the treatment with a combination of ivermectin 400 micrograms.kg-1 (IVER 400) plus increasing doses of diethylcarbamazine (DEC), given simultaneously in single dose, was performed on five groups of Polynesian Wuchereria bancrofti carriers, 49 males aged 25 to 73 years, in whom microfilaremia ranged from 1 to 6,137 mf/ml. The trial was hospital-based, open, dose-escalating (1 group per week). Safety of an unchanging dose of IVER 400 and ascending doses of DEC were studied in the 5 following groups: group 1- IVER 400 plus DEC 1 mg.kg-1, 12 patients; group 2- IVER 400 plus DEC 3 mg.kg-1, 17 patients; group 3- IVER 400 plus DEC 6 mg.kg-1, 10 patients. Two control groups were included in the study, group 4- DEC 6 mg.kg-1 alone, 5 patients; group 5-: IVER 400 alone, 5 patients. Carriers were examined and questioned regarding their experience of adverse reactions, which were graded 0 to 3 according to severity, at 6, 12 and 24 hours and at 4 days after treatment. Biological examination was performed 4 days before and 4 days after treatment and included determination of microfilaremia, complete blood count, liver function tests and assessment of creatinine and urea levels. Adverse reactions were observed in 51% of 49 carriers (15 of grade 1, 8 of grade 2, 2 of grade 3). None was considered serious and they all disappeared in 2 days. The main symptoms were fever > or = 37.5 degrees C, myalgia, arthralgia, headache, asthenia, anorexia, vertigo and chills. Adverse reactions of patients were not significantly different between the five groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)